How to Create a Bakery Customer Loyalty Program

Did you know that a repeat customer is much more likely to come back and buy again? Plus, it’s a lot cheaper to keep current customers than to bring in new ones. A bakery customer loyalty program could be just what you need to keep people coming back. Check out how you can create one that works for your business below. 

What Is a Bakery Loyalty Program?

A bakery loyalty program is a simple way to thank your customers for choosing your bakery. These digital loyalty cards reward your customers with points or perks for each visit or purchase. It’s an easy way to show appreciation and encourage them to keep coming back for more of your delicious treats. 

Think of it as a small, thoughtful gesture that can build stronger relationships with your customers and boost their loyalty to your bakery over time.

What Do Customers Expect From A Loyalty Program?

In a customer loyalty program, meeting your customers’ expectations keeps them engaged and satisfied. These programs aren’t just for marketing; they help you build a strong relationship with your customers.

Here are a few things customers usually look for:

Value for Money: Customers want to feel like they’re saving or getting more from their purchases. For example, offering a free red velvet cupcake after every dozen purchases gives them something extra to look forward to.

Transparency: Be clear about how your program works. Make sure your customers know how to earn and redeem rewards so they can easily participate.

Relevance: Your rewards should also match your customers’ needs. You can offer discounts on or give them exclusive access to new products.

Recognition: Sometimes, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. Offering a free drink to a regular customer can make them feel appreciated.

Flexibility: People love options. Let your customers choose how they want to redeem their rewards. Whether it’s a free item, a discount, or something special, give them choices.

Exclusivity: Make your loyal customers feel special with offers like early access to new items or exclusive promotions.

Types of Bakery Customer Loyalty Programs

Now that you’ve seen the benefits let’s look at the different loyalty programs that can be easily applied to your bakery.

Punch Cards

Punch cards are simple and effective. Customers receive a card that gets punched or stamped after every purchase. Once the card is full, they earn a reward—maybe a free loaf of bread or a special pastry. The beauty of punch cards is that they give customers a reason to return to your bakery again and again. For example, you can offer a free pandesal pack after ten visits. It’s an easy system that keeps people coming back for more.

Opt-in Email

With opt-in email programs, you collect your customers’ email addresses and send them special offers or promotions. This approach lets you keep in touch with your regulars and even bring back customers who haven’t visited in a while. For a Filipino bakery, you could send out discounts on seasonal treats like ensaymada for Christmas or personalized coupons for a customer’s birthday. Email programs help you stay at the top of your mind without needing to invest too much effort.

Free Trials

Offering free samples of new products to loyal customers can be a fantastic way to engage them. If you’re introducing a new flavor of puto with cheese or a healthier version of your chicken salad bread, you can reward loyalty program members by giving them a first taste. Free trials let your customers feel special while also giving you the chance to test new products before a full launch.

Partner Programs

You can team up with other local businesses to expand your loyalty program. For example, you could partner with a nearby coffee shop, offering customers a discount on coffee when they buy your pastries, and vice versa. This kind of collaboration helps both businesses grow while giving your customers added value. It’s a win-win that builds a stronger community around your bakery.

Referral Programs

Why not let your customers do the advertising for you? With referral programs, you can reward loyal customers when they refer new people to your bakery. For example, offer a free pastry for every new customer who brings a regular in. Referrals are a great way to grow your customer base while also showing your appreciation to your existing ones. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, especially when paired with a tasty reward.

Points System

Points-based loyalty programs are a classic choice that works well in any bakery. For each purchase, customers earn points that can be exchanged with something. For example, every 

PHP 100 spent could earn 10 points, and after accumulating 100 points, they can redeem a cake or other popular item. Points systems are flexible and can be tailored to fit your bakery’s unique offerings while keeping customers engaged with the promise of a treat down the line.

Loyalty Discounts

Loyalty discounts give returning customers immediate savings on their purchases. Each time a customer visits your bakery and presents their loyalty card, they receive a small discount, such as 5% off their total purchase. Over time, you’ll also gather data about what they buy, allowing you to personalize their experience and offer targeted promotions. Customers appreciate the consistent savings and feel more connected to your bakery, knowing they’re getting a deal.

VIP Memberships

VIP memberships add an extra layer of exclusivity to your loyalty program. Customers pay a small fee or subscribe to receive exclusive benefits like special discounts, or priority service. For instance, you could offer a VIP membership that grants early access to limited-time items such as your holiday bibingka or ensures that your regulars get first dibs on freshly baked goodies. 

How to Create a Bakery Loyalty Program

Starting a loyalty program for your bakery in the Philippines can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you run a small neighborhood panaderia or a well-known bakery in town, a customer loyalty program can help you build stronger relationships and boost sales. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.

1. Define Your Objectives

Before launching your loyalty program, get clear on what you want to achieve. Are you looking to increase how often customers come back? Do you want them to spend more per visit? Or maybe you’re trying to keep regular customers from drifting to competitors?

For instance, if you want to boost repeat visits, your loyalty program might focus on giving rewards for every five visits. On the other hand, if you want to increase the average purchase amount, you could offer discounts or bonuses for customers who spend over a certain amount each time.

Defining your objectives makes it easier to measure your success. Setting clear, specific goals, like increasing repeat visits by 20% in the next six months, ensures your loyalty program is more likely to succeed.

2. Use Customer Data to Create Your Program

Once you know your objectives, look at your customer data to design a loyalty program that fits your bakery. Data like purchase history, what products are most popular, and how often customers come back can help you craft a program that works.

For example, if you notice a lot of customers buy pandesal in the morning, you could create a program that rewards them with a free loaf after purchasing a certain number. Or, if you see regular customers during holiday seasons, like Christmas or Easter, offer special rewards or discounts during these times to keep them coming back.

Using data helps you make your program more personal. You can create rewards that make sense for different customers. For example, birthday discounts for regulars or exclusive promotions for customers who spend over a certain amount.

3. Keep It Simple

One of the key things to remember when creating a loyalty program is to keep it simple. A straightforward program is easier for customers to understand and participate in. If your program is too complicated, customers might lose interest.

Make sure that joining your program is hassle-free. Allow customers to sign up easily, whether through your website, a mobile app, or in-store. Don’t ask for too much information upfront—just the basics, like their name and contact details. The simpler the process, the more people will join.

Also, be clear about the benefits. If you’re using a point-based system, make sure customers know how to earn points, check their balance, and redeem rewards. For example, if you offer a free dream cake after earning 100 points, clearly explain how many points they’ll get for each purchase.

Finally, make redeeming rewards a breeze. If customers find it difficult to claim their rewards, they may lose interest. Offer an easy process, whether it’s presenting a loyalty card in-store or applying rewards automatically through your online system.

4. Stay Connected with Your Customers

Once your loyalty program is up and running, don’t let it fade into the background. Keep your customers engaged by staying in touch. Regular communication is key to keeping your loyalty program top of mind.

Send out reminders about their points, upcoming rewards, or exclusive offers. For example, if a customer is close to earning a reward, send them a friendly email to encourage their next purchase. If a customer hasn’t used the program for a while, a message offering a special discount or freebie can help bring them back.

In the Philippines, where people love special occasions and holidays, sending festive promos or discounts for seasonal items like puto bumbong or ensaymada during Christmas can work wonders. You can also offer a treat during fiestas or town celebrations to give your customers more reasons to visit your bakery.

Emails, texts, or even social media messages can remind your customers about the benefits of your program and keep them engaged.

5. Reward Your Customers with What They Value

The best loyalty programs reward customers with things they actually want. Think about what matters most to your customers and offer rewards that fit their preferences. For a bakery in the Philippines, it could be something as simple as a free slice of cake, a special discount on their favorite bread, or even access to exclusive products during the holidays.

Make sure the rewards are appealing and attainable. If customers feel like it’s too hard to earn points or the rewards aren’t worth it, they won’t stay engaged. Consider offering small rewards frequently to keep them motivated while also having larger rewards for those who stick with the program longer.

6. Offer Exclusive Perks to Keep Customers Coming Back

One way to make your loyalty program stand out is by offering exclusive perks that customers can’t get elsewhere. For example, give loyal customers early access to new products, special discounts during holidays, or even invite them to special events like a baking workshop.

In the Philippines, where people value community and connection, these perks can make your customers feel like they’re part of something special. For instance, invite your VIP customers to a special tasting event when you introduce a new line of bakery products or offer them a discount during their town’s fiesta.

7. Get Feedback and Adjust Your Program

Once your program is live, gather feedback from your customers. Ask them what they like about the program and what they think could be improved. This feedback can help you make adjustments and keep your program relevant and effective.

For example, if customers say they’d prefer more variety in the rewards, consider offering different options, like savory treats in addition to sweets. If they mention that earning points takes too long, adjust the system so rewards are more achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Setting up a customer loyalty program for your bakery can make a big difference. Not only does it reward your regulars, but it also encourages them to keep coming back. A well-thought-out loyalty program can turn occasional visitors into loyal fans and boost your business in the process. Whether it’s a simple punch card, an email deal, or exclusive perks, the key is to make your customers feel valued and appreciated. So why not give it a try? Start crafting a loyalty program that fits your bakery, and watch those repeat customers start rolling in!

About HICAPS

Over the years, HICAPS has helped bakers and businesses make delicious products by offering ingredients like ChiffonAide Cake Oil, Magic Whizk Whipping Cream, Red Velvet Flavor Emulco, and Instabake Brownie Mix. 

HICAPS also provides tools and resources to valued partners, such as the free “How to Increase Your Sales Amidst the Pandemic” E-book and free dealer locator that helps look for baking ingredients near me. 

Want more free tips and tutorials? Follow us on Facebook at Hicaps Mktg. Corp. and on YouTube at HicapsTV. 

Want to be one of our valued partners? Fill out this form. Looking forward to talking to you soon!